Replacement for Security Guards: Cardboard Cutouts?

GARD Pro Not Registered

A recent Associated Press news report stated that a cardboard cop along with some new locks and video cameras reduced bicycle theft at a commuter train station by 67%. The police used a life sized cardboard image of one of their own officers. The fake cop is a visual deterrent to crime and a lot cheaper than paying a peace officer to be on the job full time. One of the main duties of a security guard is to deter crime. It makes us wonder if some companies will replace or at least expand their security guard force with cardboard versions of their private security officers? Probably not as these cardboard security guards won’t hold up to rain, snow and sun or be any use for a foot patrol. However, it does illustrate how a visible security person is a strong deterrent to crime.